Melissa & George Kaiser of Bend, Oregon made a five-week trip to Peru in February / March, 2024
Melissa had been to school in Lima in the late ‘60s, and was keen to reconnect with the country of her youth!
PeruNorth organised the middle three weeks:
first an epic two-week overland trip from Lima to Mancora, taking in many of the coastal archaeological highlights along the way
then a week spent in Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
Here are their thoughts on the experience:
Caral, the oldest city in the Americas.
“Every aspect of the three weeks was well planned. Our days were busy but not exhausting.
Our guides were friendly and professional and we learned a lot about Pre-Inca cultures along the North Coast.
We saw very few tourists in this part of the country which was nice for us but is also a shame for the country because there is so much to see.
It was also uncomfortably hot while we were there (Feb/Mar) so visiting some of the open sites was tiring in the heat. However, our accommodations were all comfortable and in good locations either on the plaza central or very close to it.
Being able to customize the PeruNorth North Coast itinerary with Miles help and input really made the trip a personal experience.
It was fantastic!”
What were your favorite cultural destinations?
“All ten of the archeological sites we visited were so different and impressive, but my favorites were Huaca de La Luna and Chan Chan for their size and architectural detail.
Also, Chankillo was fascinating for its astronomical intention.”
View of the astronomical observatory at Chankillo.
What were your favorite natural destinations?
Spectacled Bear at Chaparri Reserve.
“Colca Canyon was my favorite natural location for its size, depth, beauty and of course the presence of the Andean Condors. Truly magnificent!
Second was Reserva Nacional Chaparri. The variety of birds was fantastic and seeing the spectacled bear was truly a special treat. So glad we spent the night.”
Who were your guides?
Driver Leo & George Kaiser at fruit stall.
“Our guides were William for the first week from Lima to Trujillo, and Johan for the second week from Trujillo to Piura.
Our driver for the full two weeks was Leonardo (Leo) Bazan. Leo is a gem! I still keep in touch with him.
I don’t remember the name of our guide from Arequipa to Chivay and the Colca Canyon but she was very informative and friendly as well as professional.”
What was your favorite accommodation?
View of Colca Lodge overlooking Colca River.
“Our favorite accommodation arranged by PeruNorth was the Colca Lodge outside of Chivay. The location on the Colca River, the natural beauty, the exquisite landscaping, the rooms and the alpaca farm were exceptional.
The lodge uses sustainable practices which makes it all the more impressive.”
Favorite dish/drink/restaurant?
“Pisco sours are our favorite cocktail.
Ceviche and causa are favorite dishes and lucuma ice cream is my all time favorite ice cream.
I gained weight and am still trying to lose it!
We ate at some of the “famous” restaurants in Lima - Kollje, Astrid & Gaston, Isolina. One of my personal favorites from my childhood is the Granja Azul.”
What forms of transportation did you use?
“For 3 of our 5 weeks in Peru, our transportation was by private vehicle arranged by PeruNorth.
We had excellent drivers (Leo for 2 weeks on the north coast, and 3 different drivers to and from Arequipa and Chivay) that were professional and courteous.
In the cities of Trujillo, Chiclayo and Arequipa we walked everywhere.
On our own time in Lima we used Uber which was very efficient.”
Did your trip involve hiking?
“This trip did not involve hiking.
We thought we might do some short hikes in the Colca Canyon, but due to the effects of the altitude, we didn’t.”
The most pointless item in your luggage?
“We packed well this trip.
The least used item was the lightweight rain jacket.”
Favorite natural encounters?
White-winged Guan at Chaparri EcoLodge.
“Seeing the condors was truly amazing.
Many of the birds in Chaparri Reserve were also rare and beautiful and we were able to see them at close range.
At Colca Lodge, we saw the largest hummingbird in the world which I wasn’t expecting.
Birding is a new hobby of mine, so these sightings were very exciting and special.”
Did you suffer any insect bites?
“We had very few bites which was great. We took insect repellent but didn’t use it very often.”